Abstract
Background Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) risk extends beyond patients to healthcare workers and medical students. However, many HAIs are preventable by adhering to standard infection control precautions (SICPs). This study assesses medical students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding SICPs at the College of Medicine, King Saud University. Methodology A cross-sectional study was undertaken at the College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, involving interns and medical students from years 1 to 5. The researchers constructed and validated an electronic questionnaire, which was used for data collection from December 2022 to June 2023. The estimated sample size was 371 students and interns, stratified by sex and educational level. The data collected included demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding SICPs. Results Out of 371 participants, approximately a quarter (25.1%) had a good knowledge score, 25.6% had a positive attitude, and 26.7% had good infection control practice. There was an association between good knowledge and male gender; being in clinical years 3, 4, 5, and interns; and attending infection control training (p < 0.05). A significant difference in practice was noted among females (p = 0.002). Conclusions This study showed low-to-moderate knowledge, attitude, and practice toward SICPs. These findings indicate a gap between the recommended guidelines and their implementation in healthcare settings, highlighting the necessity for integrating infection control education throughout the medical curriculum. Further research involving a larger sample from multiple institutions is warranted.